We are blessed to live in an area of the country rich in natural beauty, a highly desired quality of life, and are an area many people have made their home in the last decade. With this explosion in our population, many new challenges face our state and need careful attention by our legislature.

Many candidates like to address "hot button" issues, many which have already been addressed in previous sessions. Several of these issues have been decided on by a ballot vote of our citizens. If our citizens desire to re-visit and re-vote issues, it is their right to set the process in motion by petition initiatives. Our voting process is a precious right and should not be overridden by bureaucracy in Jefferson City.

With the tremendous growth of our area, our legislature must address the issues that pave the way towards better paying jobs in our state, address the health care crisis, and provide a quality education for all of our children. Ever rising taxes are a burden to all, but are particularly harsh on those with fixed incomes. Representative Weter is a strong supporter of Senator Mike Gibbon's 2008 legislation, providing property tax relief for our senior citizens. As Vice-Chairman of Senior Citizen Advocacy, he supports and advocates for initiatives to protect and enhance the lives of our seniors.

Our natural resources are one of our greatest assets. Not only do we enjoy our lakes and rivers, but they contribute a great deal to our area's economy. With our tremendous growth, great care must be taken to preserve our land.

Spending forty years in the medical field , Ray Weter believes that life is precious. He spent many hours, often missing birthdays, anniversaries and children's ballgames, working with a cardiac surgery team trying to save lives. Ray is adamant about trying to provide information, education and health care, in order to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies. Not only will this reduce the number of abortions, but also reduce the number of abused and neglected children. All parts of this issue need to be addressed. As Vice-Chairman of Appropriations for Health, Mental Health and Social Services, Representative Weter played a crucial roll in funding the "Alternatives to Abortion" program.

All of the issues our state faces require legislators with experience, that have proven their ability to address life's challenges, and have the ability to see all sides of an issue. These qualities are crucial to the success of the economy, health and well being of all of our citizens. Ray Weter has proven that he is an effective, responsible and highly respected legislator.